Some drivers are going even further by affixing logos from other manufacturers like Mazda, Honda, or Rivian to their Teslas, just to cover their tracks. This phenomenon, known as "debadging," which already existed on a small scale, has been gaining momentum in recent months. Alongside ironic stickers like "I bought this car before I knew Elon was crazy" – which sell by the hundreds every day – Some owners are therefore opting for a more radical solution: removing all distinctive branding.
A brand in decline
The approach goes well beyond a simple joke. In some cases, it is a real fear of reprisals. With Elon Musk's stances, notably his support for Donald Trump and his controversial decisions at the helm of X (formerly Twitter), Tesla has become a political target. Protests are taking place in front of some of the brand's stores, charging stations are being vandalized, and owners fear that their vehicle will suffer the same fate.
On social media, videos show a Cybertruck displaying messages projected onto its bodywork, such as "This truck already makes me look ridiculous enough as it is." A deliberate snub to the criticism the model has received, but also a sign of the growing unease.
Faced with this situation, the Tesla community is now sharing tips for "unbadging" your car. According to the manufacturer's maintenance manual, a simple fishing line can remove the letters and logos by gently peeling them off. The more meticulous use a hair dryer to facilitate the operation or alcohol wipes to remove glue residue. On Amazon or eBay, it's easy to find replacement emblems from competing brands.
These tips may not fool connoisseurs, but they reflect a broader phenomenon: the relationship between drivers and their cars is changing. Tesla, long synonymous with modernity and a break with the traditional automotive industry, is becoming an embarrassing symbol for some.
Elon Musk, who built the brand on an image of innovation and avant-garde, is now witnessing the opposite phenomenon. In just a few months, Tesla has gone from being an admired manufacturer to a brand that many seek to hide behind. A transformation that is already weighing on sales and causing the manufacturer's stock price to plummet.
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